It is almost that time of year again with graduates getting ready for their big day.  Each year I get numerous requests for grad day photos, so this year I am offering grad mini sessions.  The booking has already begun for these sessions, but I  do still have some availability.  For further information on grad day mini sessions, or to book your session please email at: dawn.oldford@nf.sympatico.ca

I have been terrible at blogging an updating this year, and I am finally adding a few of the photos from 2010 grads.  I am in the process of revamping my website and blog, and once they are up and running I will be more diligent at keeping up to date!

Looking for something to give that special loved one for Christmas?  Gift certificates are now available for a limited time with a special savings for the holidays (see below).  Gift certificates are of course always available in any dollar amount, however for Christmas only I am offering two options that also offer a savings.  Not looking for a gift certificate?  Prepay a custom portrait session for yourself and receive the same savings.  These sessions must be completed before July 2011.

Email for details: dawn.oldford@nf.sympatico.ca

This summer and fall have been very busy and my poor ‘ol blog has been sadly neglected.  I hope to turn that around in the New Year with lots of updated blog posts from my wedding and sessions during the last 6 months. 

I have also been busy taking 4 univeristy courses, working and mothering.  So, although I have wanted to offer a holiday mini session, time just did not allow.  I have had many people interested in my mini sessions and the ones I have had to date have been successfull.  Since it is getting to be too late in the year to order prints in time for Christmas, I thought it would be a neat idea to offer a digital holiday mini session.  That way, you get your proofs right away in digital format, that is perfect for emailing to family and friends in time for Christmas, or to print off youself in any quantity at your local photo lab.  

Mini sessions are 10-15 minutes long and I am offereing three digital options (see below).    There are only 10 time slots available, and payment is due at the time of your session.  I have a few holidays props suitable for certain ages, or bring your own fun hat or idea.  Email me for further information at dawn.oldford@nf.sympatico.ca

Twyla and Kerry had a beautiful sunny day… windy… but sunny.  They got married in Rose Blanche.  It was my first time visiting that part of the island, and boy was it ever beautiful there.

Another sneak peek for my very patient, and very beautiful cousin whose wedding I had the pleasure of photographing in early August.  Megan and Boyce were married on family property in Burnside, Nl on a beautiful summer day.  The seaside ceremony was performed by her grandfather, and was quite lovely.

The reception was held in the old Burnside school house.  I think it was my first ever meal of steaks on the BBQ (at a wedding that is), but it sure was a treat!  The location was especially nice for the first dance photos, as the close quarters meant that everyone crowded around to make a wonderful background to the dancing couple.

I have only had the opportunity to meet Boyce once before the wedding, but I know that he is perfect for Megan.  He didn’t even flicnh when after letting me drive his car to out final location for photos, I left his keys in the ignation of his Mustang, locking them in…….. Burnside was a long trek for Triple A.  Two weekends in a row locking myself out of a car, however, is not a very good record.

The second last photo is one of my all time favourites…. just because I am alwyas on the lookout for moments to occur, and when they do you just know that they will make a great photograph… these are are moments that tell a story, and are moments that you simply can not create……..

It has been a long time since I have logged in to write a blog post, I almost forgot how.  I did however promise Lorie a sneak peek, and here it is!  It was hard to decide what to show here as I had many favourites from this day.  I have known Travis’ family for a long time (his big sis is a good friend of mine, his dad my highschool teacher, and Travis a friend of my brother), so it was very enjoyable to photograph this wedding.

Lorie and Travis had a beautiful day.  Lorie was gorgeous in her oyster dress – a new favourite for me.  They were even willing to head out to the old runways in town to try out a location that I have been wanting to try for a while.  I am sure they thought I was crazy at the time, and even crazier when I locked my keys in the trunk of my father’s car….. but the results were fabulous.

And to any of Travis and Lorie’s friends who may be viewing this sneak peek in say Yellowknife, who may be getting married in say 2010…. I would love to have a reason to travel up there and se my baby brother and nephew.

This winter I traveled to St. John’s on a couple of occasions to take engagement photos for my beautiful sister in law and her soon to be husband.  Although the weather was less than cooperative, very cold, windy and a little misty on one occasion, they turned out beautifully.  I haven’t put any of these on the blog before as they used some of the photos for their wedding invitations, and others for their custom created (par moi) guest signing book.  So, before I share some of the photos from the big day, I am going to start with a few from their engagement sessions.

Amy and Jeremy were married on June 19, 2010 at the Majestic on Duckworth St.  A lovely location with the reception to follow.  I am not certain how many hundred guests were actually there, but it was certainly a wedding to talk about with endless food and drinks served in a relaxed environment.  My sweet little princess was a beautiful flower girl, and accompanied the bridal party throughout the day just soaking up the celebrations and activities.  Because the reception was to begin imediately following the ceremony, Amy and Jeremy opted to have a “first look” where they met before hand for photos, but by first taking a few moments to themselves and to see each other for the first time on their big day.

Now that the big day is over we are all awaiting the arrival of our newest cousin/niece or newphew in the early fall.  Congratulations Amy and Jeremy.  We love you!

Summer has officially begun… school is our tomorrow and with that wedding season is in full swing.  I started out the summer wedding season with the wedding of Robyn and Jeff.  They had planned an outdoor wedding at the Grand Falls-Windsor Golf Course, however heavy rains the night before drenched the area that the ceremony was to take place.  It might have rained the night before, but the day of Robyn and Jeff’s wedding was FAN-tastic!  Sunny skies, nice temperatures, and a wild and crazy bridal party made for a great day.

The Golf Course is a great location for a wedding reception.  With it’s newly constructed building, gorgeous lighting and awesome food, it can’t be beat.  Now to mention how fun it is to drive around to gorgeous locations in the golf carts.

I am soooo excited to be introducing these gorgeous wedding albums for my 2011 brides.  I have been offering wedding albums for a couple of years really, mostly in the form of a coffee table book with magazine style pages.  And although the other albums have always been available if anyone inquired, I never spoke much of them as I didn’t have a sample, nor had I made a firm decision on which album company to go with.

Well, after reading many reviews, viewing a few different options, and finally ordering a few samples, I have found a company that I absolutely LOVE!  These albums come is a lovely box to keep them well protected, and when I opened the box and held it in my hands I actually squealed.  I am actually considering tracking down my wedding photographer to see if it is possible to purchase my old negatives (yes film was still the only medium when I get married) as converted digital files so that I can order one of these for myself.

These albums are included in most of my packages that I am offering to brides starting next summer.  They can also be purchased seperatly.  As for any wedding couples from 2010 and prior, you are certainly welcome to inquire about these albums if you are interested.

And thank you to Trina and Mark for allowing me to use your images in my sample album.  It has been almost a year since I asked, and I am just getting now receiving the book.

Just back from Jenna’s dance recital tonight, and realized it was due time that I added some more of the images from my mini dance sessions.  The recital was a great success and all of the dancers performed wonderfully.  I can not wait to watch it all over again tomorrow evening.